Synopsis:
When a New York socialite (James Caan) and his wife (Katharine Ross) allow a middle-aged saleswoman (Simone Signoret) to stay with them, she’s quickly treated to their favorite pastime of elaborate pranks — but when a delivery boy (Don Stroud) is accidentally murdered, the stakes suddenly become deadly serious.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

• James Caan Films
• Katharine Ross Films
• Mental Breakdown
• Simone Signoret Films

Review:
Before her breakthrough role in The Graduate (1967), Katharine Ross starred in this psychological thriller as a wealthy young woman who appears to be driven slowly crazy — but why, and by who? There aren’t too many options, though one is left guessing on certain details until the (twist) ending.

Unfortunately, Ross and Caan are a pretty uninteresting couple to be following; their love of trippy mind games seems like merely a childish way to pass their overly ample free time.

The sets and cinematography add plenty of visual flair to the proceedings, and Signoret is always interesting to watch:

… but the screenplay is ultimately not compelling enough to sustain the conceit here as a feature-length film. Games was helmed and co-written by B-director Curtis Harrington, whose other GFTFF-listed titles include the frustratingly dull Night Tide (1961); the slow but intriguing Queen of Blood (1966); and the disappointing Grand Guignol horror flicks What’s the Matter With Helen? (1971) and Who Slew Auntie Roo? (1972).

Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:

• Colorful and eclectic sets
  
• Atmospheric cinematography
  

Must See?
No, though it’s worth a one-time look if you’re curious.

Links:

• IMDb entry
• NY Times Original Review
• TCM Article
• Spinning Image Review